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By Chrysa Smith
If you have ever built a home, put on an addition—even had painting done or flooring installed, you know it. Contractors have a split reputation. There are the contractors who produce quality work and the contractors who don’t. Those who never saw a budget that wasn’t exceeded and those who may just have misunderstood the project.
Then I spoke to Gray Montana, owner of and designer at Montana Tradesmen in Central Bucks. And I believe I did it. I found a man with a vision and a team. And the team consists of members not only trained in architecturally correct design and construction but emphasize the value of their promise. And that is building trust by adding value and respecting clients. For him, it’s probably number one on his list of goals, and here is how he does it.
Gray grew up in Bucks. “I’m from the fourth generation here.” he says. “I spent summers working in construction.” So the foundation was set for his future. After a career twist or turn, Gray said he returned to what he knew. And that was building custom homes. While he once traveled longer distances for projects, his heart and reputation are solidly planted in Bucks County.
For the past decade Montana Tradesmen has been on the move. With 18 professionals in-house, it means that Gray can handle scheduling better than many. “When dealing with other companies, you might be working a dozen different schedules. Our directive has been to move talent in-house and be seamless through the phases.”
He says this collection of skilled all-phase builders share the vision of greater client service as a team, rather than individually. His project managers have their pulse on all aspects of the business—from design to construction to completion. And perhaps it works so well because Gray’s got a special gift. And that is the ability to meet with a client and while at that meeting, come up with a preliminary design, cost and promise to meet both the estimate and timeline. Not something many can do.
“The biggest difference between us and others is I can meet with a perspective client, verbally estimate 5 percent from the beginning, while giving them a lot to ponder. Often builders run through the design process without giving any idea to cost of consulting time.” Some people might be spending time with builders, designers, architects, running up costs for a potential project that may not even be possible. Having 30 total years of experience allows Gray to pinpoint project ideas and related costs. His expertise and the resulting benefit to his clients is founded on “a knowledge in design, architectural acumen and phase-by-phase costing that can be applied to a vision in the moment,” he says.
The firm does their own permitting, drafting, and engineering. The experience allows Gray to look at homes with a critical eye. When a client wants to update an existing home, the builder looks at the layout (and budget) to determine what’s possible. “Very few clients have a finished project in mind,” he says. “There’s always a refinement process as people see their ideas applied to a canvas. Inclinations becomes idealization based on functionality and what the client is looking for.”
TV design shows and social media can influence design choices. But what’s popular might not look right in your home nor be in keeping with the existing home style and architecture. “No size fits all,” he says. “My aspiration is to recreate space with lifestyle in mind—not just any lifestyle, but one that can improve people’s everyday lives and habit.” He believes versions or touches of certain elements can and should be considered, though an exact plan seen elsewhere may not work well in your style or structure of home. Naturally, budget often leads the process, with clients asking what can be accomplished within a dollar range. For others, it’s about adding features which will keep them in their home. He says the company has built brand recognition, partially because of the knowledge and quality that separate overpriced contractors from those who are more realistic. “I’ve brought back a level of quality at a lesser price.”
“Every year the types of projects change. Since Covid, many people have decided to stay put, so we did 111 projects last year,” adds Gray. Sometimes additions are dominant; other years it’s kitchen and bathroom renovations. But one thing is perfectly clear, this man’s goal is all about adding value. And that takes us to his blog, quarterly newsletter, and social media sharing. On the website, you will find DIY project suggestions and advice. When a homeowner might consider completing a simple project themselves, or when a professional is in order. “I want to educate people on how to improve existing space, whether that’s creating indoor gardens, consider natural heating solutions, creating outdoor gardens which will provide food for a family of four.” His view is holistic, comprehensive: way past a drawing, some wood and a couple contractors.
In the end, here’s what Montana Tradesmen is all about. “Getting into a philosophical realm, you should expect a service provider to value people over profit. To value relationships over profitability. That you care what your clients want, with a willingness to put your own costs aside for them. It isn’t easy to do this. Not every job is profitable, but it’s about relationships.” And relationships are built by trust, and business is built by relationships. It explains repeat business, steady growth and an excellent team that stands beside and with him, philosophically and physically.
Montana Tradesmen is located at 272 Park Ave., Chalfont, PA. For more information, call 215-701-4477, email montanatradesmenco@gmail.com or visit www.montanatradesmen.com.
Chrysa Smith is a contributor to Bucks County Magazine with a focus on the home and style.